A slew of social gatherings and special foods can spell trouble for your waistline in the season of indulgence that starts with Halloween and tapers off after New Year’s Day. On average, adults gain 1 to 2 pounds from mid-November through early January. That may not sound like much, but for many, that extra weight sticks around long after the holidays, compounding each year and contributing to the creeping weight gain that often happens with age.
Still, you don’t have to banish all your favorite holiday foods to ensure you’ll fit into your pants come January 1. Simply being a bit more mindful of your food choices and portion sizes during this festive time can thwart unwanted weight gain. Read on for 15 simple strategies to keep your calorie intake under control. Oh, and print out this cute illustration of your map to a lighter, healthier holiday season!
1. Pass on the PSL
Eschew that pumpkin spice latte at your favorite coffee shop (or enjoy it just once). SAVE: 380 calories per 16 oz
2. Haul away Halloween candy
Give those candy bars to a dentist participating in the Halloween Candy Buyback program. Learn more at halloweencandybuyback.com.
SAVE: 480 calories per six fun-size bars
3. Pick a better pie
Stock up on ingredients to make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving instead of pecan pie. SAVE: 187 calories per slice
4. Cut it in half
Enjoy your favorites—just in smaller portions. For example, eat ½ cup rather than 1 cup of green bean casserole. SAVE: 82 calories per ½ cup
5. Trim the turkey
Opt for skinless white-meat turkey instead of the drumstick. SAVE: 42 calories per 3 oz
6. Avoid food pushers
Say “maybe later” when someone insists you try the sweet potato casserole. SAVE: 260 calories per ½ cup
7. Ditch dull dinner rolls
It’s easy to get in the tradition of eating something just because it has always been there. Case in point: basic store-bought dinner rolls. Pass up ho-hum rolls, and save your calories for special foods. SAVE: 166 calories per buttered roll
8. Remove temptation
Moving bite-size chocolates at least 6 feet away could help you eat five fewer pieces per day, studies say. SAVE: 570 calories in a week
9. Skip the eggnog
Unless you’ve made it yourself with skim milk, pass on the eggnog at gatherings. SAVE: 300 calories per cup
10. Make only a few
Is making fudge or other goodies a top tradition? Pick one favorite this year. When you cut back on how much you make, you also cut back on how much you eat. SAVE: 240 calories per 2 oz of fudge
11. Forget the fruitcake
Don’t let the “fruit” fool you—this sugary concoction is high in calories. If you’re gifted one, just keep it going by passing it along to someone else. SAVE: 320 calories per 3-oz slice
12. Decorate—then donate
Decorated gingerbread or sugar cookies are fun to make with kids, but consider donating some of them to a bake sale. SAVE: 87 calories per cookie
13. Prance around prime rib
It may be a classic, but skipping this fatty meat at holiday party buffets (or eating just a few bites) can help you bank major calories. SAVE: 334 calories per 3 oz
14. Go easy on New Year’s Eve
Enjoy one simple drink, such as champagne, rather than a cranberry cocktail or other mixed drink. SAVE: 94 calories per 4 oz
15. Count down passed apps
Many holiday parties feature trays of hors d’oeuvres. While your mind may not register that you’re eating much, these indulgent bites add up. Often, just five pieces equals 500+ calories. Pick a few you’re really excited to try and pass up others that you’d eat just because they’re there. SAVE: 106 calories per bruschetta
